TK (transitional kindergarten) or another year of preschool?
- LAUSD’s 2027–28 Choices brochure describes TK as the first year of a two-year Kindergarten program for children turning 4 by September 1st.
- The choice is between TK, a year of public school, and staying in preschool for another year. Hours, care, class size, and staffing vary by school, so ask the school about the specific program.
- Next step: by November 6, 2026, submit a Choices application if you want a participating public-school program (the on-time deadline; Choices is LAUSD’s separate application for those programs). For TK at your assigned neighborhood school, contact that school about enrollment; the Choices deadline is not part of that route.
What does each option offer?
The age cutoff is September 1 of the school year your child would start, and TK is followed by kindergarten. The brochure also says not all Choices elementary programs offer TK. Official source: LAUSD 2027–28 Choices brochure
There are two public-school routes. For TK at the assigned neighborhood school, contact that school about enrollment; LAUSD’s Resident School Identifier can help find it. Families applying to other participating programs use Choices. If you apply to a participating program, ask your assigned school what enrollment steps and timing apply while you wait for the program decision.
Preschool programs vary by provider. Contact the school for details about its daily schedule, play and teacher-led activities, group size, staffing, care hours, and kindergarten pathway.
What should you compare?
| Question | TK | Another preschool year |
|---|---|---|
| Is the child eligible? | The child turns 4 by September 1 of the school year they would start. | Confirm age and placement rules with the preschool. |
| What is the setting? | Confirm with the school whether it offers TK and how enrollment works. | Ask how the program balances play, routines, and teacher-led activities. |
| What are the school-day hours? | Ask the school. | Get its current daily schedule. |
| What care is available before or after school? | Contact the school about before- and after-school care. | Request care hours and fees. |
| What are the class size and adult-child ratio? | Request current figures from the school. | Ask for its current group size and staffing. |
| What happens next year? | Ask admissions how TK students move into kindergarten. | Confirm whether children can continue into that school’s kindergarten and how admission works. |
| What costs should we plan for? | Ask about optional-care charges. | Compare the current written tuition and care fees. |
What do parents and other sources say?
Parent discussion: Parents discussing LAUSD TK mention school-day routines and care schedules as practical questions to ask. Those posts describe individual experiences and do not establish what every school offers. LA parent discussion about TK
Journalism: An Associated Press article about choosing between kindergarten and another preschool year discusses readiness and the transition into school. It is national reporting, not LAUSD program guidance. AP News: parent choices about kindergarten readiness
How should you decide?
If your child meets the age rule, request the TK schedule and care options from the school and get a typical-day schedule from the preschool. Compare the time in class, transitions, adult support, commute, and any care your family would use. Visit both settings if possible, then decide using the routines and program details each school confirms.
Sources
- Official: LAUSD 2027–28 Choices brochure
- Parent discussion (Los Angeles): AskLosAngeles discussion about LAUSD TK
- Journalism: Associated Press article on kindergarten readiness
Next step
By November 6, 2026, submit a Choices application if you want a participating program; for TK at your assigned school, contact that school about enrollment.